How to Make a Canoe Yoke

Building yourself a canoe yoke can save you money and be a rewarding project. When hauling a canoe from place to place, having a sturdy comfortable canoe yoke is desired. Following yoke plans and being meticulous about constructing your yoke can create a pleasurable experience once it is put to use. A lightweight canoe can be easily transferred through a simple and effective solo canoe yoke.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-foot by 4-inch by 1-inch ash wood
  • Premade purchased printed yoke plans
  • Measuring tape
  • Spray adhesive
  • 4 3-inch steel screws
  • 2 yoke pads
  • Bolts
  • Washers and nuts
  • Wood saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • 1/8-inch bit
  • Countersink bit
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the patterns off your premade printed yoke plans.

    • 2

      Glue the plans onto the ash wood with the spray adhesive.

    • 3

      Saw the exact measurements laid out on the yoke plans. Make sure you cut all three pieces. There should be a center yoke piece and two side pieces.

    • 4

      Drill pilot holes in the places the yoke plans show where to drill. Make the holes on the two side pieces match the holes on the yoke piece. Countersink all the holes that are big enough to hold the screw heads. Drill big enough holes on the yoke to install the yoke pad hardware.

    • 5

      Screw the three pieces onto each other at the properly marked holes. The side pieces will require two screws each.

    • 6

      Sand the yoke and side and make sure the side screws are secure.

    • 7

      Bolt yoke pads to the yoke.